Aston Villa vs Brentford: 28/08/2021 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Aston Villa vs Brentford

Date: 28/08/2021

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Villa Park

Referee: Peter Bankes

Aston Villa host Brentford this Saturday in what could be a fascinating game for the neutrals.

The two clubs have been somewhat intertwined for the past three years, with Villa first poaching Brentford’s manager Dean Smith, before signing some of their top talents, including Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa. Despite Villa’s continuous raiding of Brentford’s prize assets, the Bees have been the side on top in recent meetings between the two clubs, winning two of their last three meetings. Things may shape up differently come their first premier league encounter.

Aston Villa enters the tie off the back of a routine 6-0 win in the league cup over Barrow. Anwar El Ghazi’s two goals and two assists are the most notable takeaway concerning the first team; however, youngster Cameron Archer’s hattrick could give Dean Smith another option to consider with some of Villa’s key attacker’s doubts for the Brentford game.

Despite averaging two goals a game this season, Villa’s attack has not been as potent as it first appears. Three of Villa’s four goals have come from set-pieces, two being penalties, with their only goal from open play being a speculative effort from John McGinn against Watford. The Midland’s side has scored every shot they’ve put on target so far. On the surface, this stat reads well; however, looking at the nature of Villa’s goals, it means they’ve only managed one shot on target from open play in two games, where they faced two sides expected to finish low in the table. This lack of creativity in the post-Grealish era for Villa must be worrying and is something Smith needs to amend if they are to reach their European goals.

For now, all Villa can do is continue to score from the chances they create and win games. The Newcastle game reflected what Villa did well last season, keep a clean sheet and snatch a goal to earn three points. As long as they can find that defensive solidity that served them so well last campaign, Smith will have more time to allow his injured forward talents to return and address Villa’s attacking woes. With their opponents yet to concede a goal, the contest looks to be a difficult challenge for Villa.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford side have had a fantastic start to life in the Premier League, gaining four of a possible six points during the opening two rounds, including a memorable opening day win against Arsenal. A scoreless draw against Crystal Palace derailed some of Brentford’s early hype; however, a win against a Villa side expected to push for Europe would put the bees right back in the spotlight.

From what we’ve seen from both sides so far this season, Brentford’s high-pressure style of play could work perfectly against a Villa side who have been shaky at best in defence. Brentford used a high press 3-5-2 against Arsenal, which forced the gunners to repeatedly make mistakes playing out from the back, something villa have tried to implement in recent weeks, without an aerial target to aim at up top. Sergi Canos and Bryan Mbueno could be the key players for the Bees, as Villa’s left-hand side has been exposed in both games this season, especially with Matt Targett at left-back against Watford.

Whilst Brentford’s attacking and pressing play has caught the eye of many, their defensive solidity has gone under the radar thus far. Two clean sheets in their opening two games are impressive for a newly promoted side and is the best foundation to achieve a solid standing in their first campaign in the premier league come May. With Villa’s attack yet to find its feet, Brentford could come away with three points purely from their defensive performance alone. However the game plays out, it certainly looks like an exciting one for the neutrals watching.

Team News

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey remain doubtful. Bertrand Traore is unavailable through injury. There is strong competition for the starting spots on the wing, with Anwar El Ghazi, Ashley Young, and Jacob Philogene-Bidace all impressing in recent games.

Brentford

Ethan Pinnock is fit despite coming off injured against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night. Mads Bech Sorensen also came off injured in that game and will be unavailable. Shandon Baptiste and Mathias Jensen are edging closer to fitness, but the Villa tie will be too early for them.

Predicted Starting XIs

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; Luiz, McGinn; Buendia, J. Ramsey, El Ghazi; Ings

Brentford (3-5-2): Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Onyeka, Nørgaard, Janelt, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 1-2 Brentford

Brentford’s aggressive start to life in the Premier League has been impressive, and this could serve them well against a Villa side who were easily disrupted against Watford on the opening day. An early goal or a strong start for the visitors could unsettle the home crowd. Brentford has a great chance of taking three points.